Often used for:
Sleep disorders
What is armodafinil?
Armodafinil is a medicine that stimulates the central nervous system. It is used to promote wakefulness and help reduce sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. It may also be used to help manage ADHD. Armodafinil works by changing the amounts of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home.
A severe skin reaction has happened with this medicine. Contact your health care team right away if your child has any skin reactions such as red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin or if your child has sores in their mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
Armodafinil at home
- This medicine can be taken with or without food. If taken with food, it may take longer to work.
- If a dose is missed, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Do not share this medicine with anyone and only use it as prescribed.
- Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
- Follow instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal.
Possible side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sleep problems
- Feeling nervous or excitable
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck
- Not all patients who take armodafinil will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Report any symptoms or side effects to your health care provider or pharmacist.
Tips for patients and families
- Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist.
- Give this medicine exactly as directed by your care team.
- This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
- Armodafinil may make birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control methods less effective. Sexually active patients should also use another form of birth control, like condoms.
- It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
